April 15th

Apologies I have been so poor at updating my blog over the past few months. We so appreciate everyone's concern for us and know what a good mechanism this is to let everyone know, in our own words what is going on. I haven't felt up to keeping this up to date but promise to continue to let you know how we are and what's going on in our lives.

I have published my blogs for the last few months now so that anyone who wants to can read through them and see what has been going on.

Thank you SO much to everyone who cares so much for us and takes the time to read this & for all the support you give us in so many ways.

April 14th

We are just back from Cork and had a lovely time with friends and family. We spent a lot of time with the Lauren, Isabel & Leah and had lots of fun - bike shopping, playgrounds, shopping, playing games, baking etc It was a really lovely time.

We spent Easter with Andrew & Orla in Rosscarbery and had lots of evenings out - thank you to everyone who invited us over for coffees, dinners etc It was so good to see so many people and catch up.

We have a quick turn around as we're away to the sunshine - Gran Canaria tomorrow for a week. I know it sounds like we are always away but wherever we have been over the last few months we have spent a lot of time with other people and haven't spent that much time alone together. We are looking forward to spending time together, enjoying the sunshine, taking stock of things and thinking through what we do next re work, home etc etc

March 30th

We went back to London to see the consultant today and he was generally happy with my progress and tolerance of the chemotherapy. I haven't had any real side effects apart from mild mouth ulsers. The biggest issue is having to get up before 8am to take my tablets and then eat late so I can have them at 8pm as they need to be 12 hours apart! We had a good chat with him and see him again in 4 weeks to see how I'm doing.

We are going to Cork on the ferry tomorrow to spend some time with family and hopefully help look after the girls while they are off school on their Easter break.

March 27th

An amazing thing happened today - I was back in London for my Zometa treatment today. On the way to London, I called the insurance company to see whether they had made a decision regarding covering the genetic testing. I have been chasing them for 3 weeks now and haven't had a response as they have been going back an forth with the consultant.

When I called this morning they amazingly said that they would cover the test. The most amazing thing is that our company is switching health insurance providers on April 1st - only 4 days time! I phoned the gentic consultant's PA immediately and she was just about to call me with the good news but she said it would be very difficult to get an appointment with the consultant. Then I mentioned I was on the way to the hospital and somehow she managed to fit me in straight this afternoon! I had the test this afternoon...after about 5 attempts to get blood from me! and will get the results in 3 weeks.

We were so amazed as it all happened so quickly, especially as the insurance is only valid for 4 more days! It was a real answer to prayer :)

March 13th

We had a lovely time in Cork and the highlight was to get to see Peta and baby Shannyn (she's beautiful!) and also to go for lunch with Dad and all the family for Dad's birthday. The good news is that my back pain has been much better this week and I haven't needed to take any morphine for the last 2 weeks. I am still taking 8 paracetamol & 2 anti-inflamatories per day but these are quite mild.

We had a follow up appointment with the consultant today to get the results of the scans. He said that my back is showing up much better but unfortunately the spots on my lungs are worse. They are still minute but he wants to start me on oral chemotherapy to stop this progressing.

This consists of 5 tablets morning and evening for 2 weeks, then 1 week off and start the cycle again. I'm not sure how long this course of chemotherapy is but the pharmacist suggested 6 to 8 months. The good news is that the side effects are very mild and nothing like the chemo I have been through in the past.

March 6th

We went to Kettering today to see everyone at work - I have been out of work since January 13th but have had incredible support from everyone there. I am amazed by the support that they have given me over the last few months and years and am so grateful to everyone at RCI. Thank you for everything you have done for me - it means so much :)

We went straight to the airport to fly to Cork for a week to see friends and family and be there for Dad's birthday on the 12th.

March 5th

We were in London again today for CT and MRI scans and to see the genetic consultant. The consultant was such a lovely lady and couldn't have done more for us. She took so much time to sit down with us and explain what that results would mean. In the type of cancer I have (tripple negative) it is 26% likely that this could be a genetic abnormality. The insurance companies don't normally cover this test and the cost is about £1000 to have it done but in this case, if it is genetic there are new drugs on the market which are very effective in treating it. She wrote a hand written letter to the insurance company to request coverage and let us contact them and fax it straight through. We are once again amazed by the treatment we get at the Marsden and the speed with which everything is done.

February 28th

We were back in London today for my third treatment of Zometa (to strengthen my bones) and to see the consultant. I will have this treatment every 4 weeks through IV but thankfully I haven't had any side effects so far. He has asked for another CT scan and MRI next week and will get the results in 2 weeks time.

My back is still painful and I have been taking oral morphine at night but only once a day now so I'm sure it is improving.

February 26th

We had an amazing week in Switzerland! The mountains were incredible, the views from the Alpentower were amazing and we had lots of fun! The weather was amazing and the sun came out nearly every day so I spend a lot of time sitting in deck chairs and drinking hot chocolates! I managed to ski towards the end of the week although I took things very easy.... I wish the same could be said for my husband who managed to fall over a crater and hurt his knee. He still skied for the rest of the week but was really hobbling by the time we got home. Still trying to convince him to see a doctor!

Thank you SO much to Paul, Pami, Alesha, Luana & Celina for making this time so special! Can't wait for our return trip to see you all really soon :)

February 17th

Tomorrow we are off to Switzerland for a week - friends of ours have invited us to join us in the Swiss mountains for their ski trip. We are SO looking forward to getting away and spending time with them. I'm not sure if I will ski but may do some gentle skiing if I feel up to it. Regardless it will be amazing to get away to the Swiss mountains and enjoy the snow and amazing scenery over there!

My back pain is much better than it was and I've now stopped taking morphine tablets. I still need to take oral morphine now and then but it's great not to need to really strong ones anymore.

February 12th

We had a lovely day yesterday - Dave & I went to London for a day out (not a hospital appointment this time!) and used a voucher we had received for our wedding for a lunch cruise on the Thames and a trip on the London Eye. It was a lovely day together and the weather was great.

Then we came back and went out to Jon & Bex's 30th birthday party! It was a great night and so good to see everyone there :) Happy Birthday Jon & Bex!!

February 7th

Charis and Claire came to visit this weekend! We had a fabulous few days together and really had fun and took my mind off things - we went to the Cotswolds, Stonehenge (in the snow), Avebury and they even took me decorating cup cakes one day!! Dave took the opportunity to go to Scotland and visit Mez and catch up with him.

Thank you so much Claire & Charis for brightening things up and making me laugh!! And to Mez for all your support and encouragement to Dave. We are truly blessed with lots of very good friends :)

February 1st

We had a tough visit to the consultant yesterday. He explained that they hope to contain the tumour as long as possible but they can't tell what will happen. As well as the spine, he mentioned on the last visit that there were some spots showing up on the lining of my lung. They aren't very concerned about this as they are very small but they need to keep a close eye on me and continue to do regular scans and blood tests to monitor the progress and he discussed the possibility of further medical treatment or chemotherapy in the future, which was difficult to take.

He also put me forward for genetic testing as there different drugs that can be used and are more effective if this is a genetic condition. He also mentioned that there are new drugs being developed and trialled all the time. This is one of the best places in the world to be treated as any new drugs are generally tested here as one of the first places.

But for some good news!! Peta had a beautiful baby girl yesterday - Shannyn Joyce :) Congratulations Peta & Dave and I can't wait to meet her!!

January 30th

We are just back from 10 days in Cork and it was really good to spend time with family and friends but also tough talking through everything that's going on and the uncertainty about what this all means for us.

One of the main side effects of radiotherapy is tiredness and I was completely wiped out for the first 3 or 4 days. I had no energy and slept a lot but I also had a lot of sleep to catch up on seeing as I haven't been able to sleep at night for a while. The painkillers are a huge help and I'm able to cope with this much better now.

Once I got over being wiped out it was really lovely to catch up with friends and see family, especially as we had to cut our New Year trip short.

We see the consultant again tomorrow morning so will have a chance to ask a lot more questions.

January 20th

Radiotherapy has finished now and we spent all of this week in London. Although the treatment only takes a few minutes, it's almost 2 hours travel each way to get to London so we decided to stay there for the week, especially as I find travelling uncomfortable.

I felt really well all week and the painkillers are really helping. I also have some additional morphine to take at night if & when I need it. But we really enjoyed our time in London and decided to use the time to do lots of touristy things. We went to museums, walked along the banks of the Thames, Leicester square, covent garden, had lunches / dinners and even went to 2 shows! We saw the Wizard of OZ on Tuesday and Wicked on Wednesday and both were amazing but I think the Wizard was our favourite!!

We saw the radiotherapist again on Thursday and she said that the pain is likely to get worse for a few weeks but then better after 6-8 weeks. If I still have pain after that, they can repeat the radiotherapy in a few weeks or months. She explained that the reason I have been having so much pain in my side is probably a trapped nerve and that this should be relieved by the treatment.

We are flying to Cork on Sunday to spend some time with family and friends and have some rest and recuperation.

January 16th

I worked in Kettering for 2 days last week and Dave was so good to drive me up as I find it really difficult driving & the pain starts to kick in when I'm sitting in one position for 2 hours.

I started radiotherapy on Friday. All went well but my pain has got increasingly worse over the last week - I haven't been able to sleep much at night and have had to sleep sitting up a lot of the time as it's too difficult to lie down. Friday night was the worst and I had to call the hospital on Saturday morning to see if they could prescribe some stronger pain killers. They were fantastic as always and I picked up some morphine tablets from the GP on Saturday afternoon.

January 9th

We were back in London today to see the consultant radiotherapist to plan radiotherapy treatment to my back. I will have 5 days of radiotherapy to the vertebrae that is effected as well as the vertebrae above and below it. It will start on the 13th and end on the 19th January, again an amazingly quick response time for getting things moving.

They will start with 5 days and expect the pain to get worse for the first few weeks and then better in 6 weeks time. In the meanwhile I started taking anti-inflammatories and other mild pain killers last Friday to help with the pain.

January 7th

I was due to see the surgeon on the 11th to get my scan results but he phoned me yesterday morning to say that they had already reviewed then and had confirmed the devastating news that the cancer has spread to my spine. It was a complete shock and he asked me to go directly to London to meet with the oncologist and discuss treatment.

We got straight into the car at 10am and made it to London for just after12 and have had an incredibly difficult day. The MRI scan showed that there is a tumour in one of my vertebrae that has spread from the original breast cancer. Although nothing showed up in my lymph nodes all along, this can also spread through the blood stream and they did a blood test which shows that shows that this is probably the case as there are tumour markers in the blood which are slightly elevated.

The good news is that it is confined to one vertebrae and they are confident that they are able to contain this through radiotherapy and a drug called Zometa, which is an IV that I will need to get once a month to strengthen the bones in my spine and ensure that they don't collapse.

In true Marsden style, not only did I see the oncologist, I also saw the radiotherapist, breast care nurse and actually started treatment that afternoon! They are incredibly responsive and everything happened immediately.

It's a lot to take on board to understand all of this and we have lots of questions and concerns - it's such a hard knock to take just when we thought that things were finally getting back to normal this year & we could start planning ahead.

January 3rd

Happy New Year!! Hope you all had a great Christmas and New Year and enjoyed time with family & friends.

My MRI and CT scans have been booked for the 13th January but I contacted the hospital today to see if we could come back from Cork early to arrange to have the scans sooner - we just don't want to have this hanging over us for too long. I'm so amazed with the way they work around things and they have managed to get both of the scans booked for this Thursday (5th January) so we've changed our ferry ticket and we're heading back to the UK tomorrow morning.

I was planning to work in Cork all this week but they have been so good in allowing me to take the time off for this. My back pain seems to be getting worse over the last couple of weeks, especially over Christmas, and worst at night or when I'm sitting in one place for long periods.

December 29th

We finally arrived in Cork yesterday evening after a long and pretty rough ferry ride from Fishguard to Rosslare!! It's good to be here and see everyone and looking forward to the next 2 weeks.

However, on the journey to Fishguard yesterday, I got a call from the consultant who said that something had shown up on the bone scan. There is a shadowy area around one of my vertebrae and they need to investigate further to see what it is. The concern is that some of the breast cancer may have spread to my bone but they will arrange for a CT scan and an MRI in the next few weeks. The mammogram is clear though which is good news.

December 26th

Happy Christmas everyone!!

We had a lovely Christmas day with Sue & Christian, Marilyn, Andrea and Andrew. Sue cooked an amazing Christmas dinner and we had a great day together.

It was the first Christmas away from my family which was tough but Looking forward to going to Cork for New Year and we had a lovely time with Dave's family....if only both families were in the same country!!

December 23rd

Today was a long day at the hospital. I went for the bone scan but it took a very long time. They initially gave me a radioactive dye and I had to wait for 2 hours and drink as much as possible to allow the dye to circulate. They I went back for a scan which took 40 minutes. They also took 2 scans of my ribs (as that's where the pain has been worst) which took another 20 minutes each.

The doctors looked at the scans and asked for some more images but I had to wait for another patient to go first. Eventually got in and had a PET scan lasting another 40 minutes. It was a difficult time as I didn't get a lot of information from the staff who seemed to be trying to figure out their new machines....and especially for poor Dave who wasn't allowed in with me and had no idea what was going on. We just hope and pray that there is nothing to worry about.

The traffic around London has been really bad as well with the Christmas rush and everyone going home for the weekend. Wishing you all a very Happy Christmas and New Year!

December 20th

I went to London for my back scan and annual mammogram today. We turned up at the hospital to find that the scanner had broken down that morning and they weren't able to do the scan.

I did have the mammogram so it wasn't a totally wasted trip but we need to go back again on Friday for the scan.

November 16th

Dave finished work today! He's been contracting at Motorola / NSN for 4 years now so it will be really strange for him to leave there.

He's been searching for jobs for the last few weeks and there does seem to be work available but he's looking to find something closer to Cambridge / Kettering so that we can be in the same place and hopefully get a bit more settled at last :)

I have holidays due before the end of the year so we hope to go on holiday next month and then plan to look for work after Christmas.

December 18th

We had a fabulous time in Thailand!! We just sat on a beach for most of the 2 weeks - reading our kindles (my early Christmas present) and enjoying the sunshine! We had some amazing Thai meals in the evenings, - the food is SO good and had lots of fun bargaining in the markets.

My back pain did get worse while we were away but I've started taking painkillers to help.

We came straight back, got changed and went to the Harris Family Reunion at the Four Pillars hotel in South Cerney. It was such a lovely time and really good to see everyone again....just need to catch up on Jet lag now before heading back to work!!

November 30th

Apologies I haven't been online for a while - I haven't been doing much except for working over the last month - it's been really busy and tiring with all the travelling but I'm definitely enjoying being back.

I had my 6 month check up with the surgeon today. He examined me and said that everything looks good but I mentioned to him that I have been having pains in my back over the last 3 weeks, especially at night. I wasn't sure if this was something to do with the muscle they removed from my back for the reconstruction surgery in March or if it's the other muscles over compensating but he said that he wants to check it out.

He's going to send me for a bone scan to see if anything comes up but we are off to Thailand on holiday on Friday for 2 weeks so will arrange it for when we get back.

November 6th

Happy Birthday Marilyn!! Yesterday was Dave's Mums 70th Birthday and we arranged a surprise party for her....she was very surprised!! It took a lot of planning behind the scenes but thankfully nobody let the secret out!!

It was such a lovely evening and it was so good to see so many family and friends together to celebrate the occasion....especially people who travelled from far away. We had an amazing time - although I think it will take Marilyn quite a while to get over the shock!!

October 26th

What an amazing day!!!

I can't believe I'm saying this but I've just walked down a catwalk!! The Women on their Way team at RCI have arranged an amazing fashion show at work in aid of Action Breast Cancer. I was extremely privileged to be asked to be patron and to talk at the end of the evening. I didn't sign up for modelling but didn't have a lot of choice :)

The whole evening just blew me away - the amount of work that the girls work all put into arranging it and the incredible support they received on the night. It was extremely professional and well organised and all the big shops from Opera Lane in Cork were there - Next, New Look, Tommy Hilfiger, Gap , CCViyella......

It was such a fantastic night and amazing to see how so many people at work came together to pull off an incredible achievement! Well done to everyone involved!

On a personal note, thank you so much to Heather and the girls, Claire, Charis, Peta, Karen, Miriam & Claire for coming to support the event.

October 21st

Just finished a very long and busy week - I'm back to work full time now (well a bit more than full time!) and working on a new project, with a deadline for 31st December so it's going to be a busy few months. Healthwise, I'm doing really well and fell like I'm back up to full strength but I know I need to take things a bit easier!!

Dave has just found out that his work contract will be terminated on the 16th November. Motorola was taken over by Nokia Seimens Networks back in Arpil and they kept contractors on for a while but have now decided to end all the contracts with 1 months notice. This is difficult to take in one way but also helps us move forward in terms of looking work in the same area and settling down in one place.

October 9th

Happy Birthday to my amazing husband!! Thank you for being the most incredible support to me and looking after me in so many ways - hope you have a very very special day.

We had a lovely day in London yesterday, walking around and visiting the British museum and spending time with family today.

I'm off to New Jersey tomorrow for a quick 3 day work trip...looking forward to going there and meeting all the folks over there! I get to travel business class for the first time ever so really looking forward to that - not to the jet lag though...it will be a very busy few days!

September 20th

Apologies I'm not updating my blog as often as now but don't have as much free time these days :)

I'm just back from 10 days in Cork - and got to combine spending time with family and working It was so good to see everybody and I had a lovely weekend in Port Laois with Charis & Claire at Claire's new home.

I am back to work 4 days a week now and it's getting busy but I'm coping well and really enjoying being back! We are still in Swindon at Dave's Mum's house as Dave is working in Swindon. I travel to Kettering on a Monday morning, stay for 2 nights and travel back to Swindon on Wednesday evenings and work from here on Thursdays.

August 30th

Today was a very very good day! I had my 3 month appointment with the oncologist and he was delighted with my progress, he examined me thoroughly and said that everything looks great and we have absolutely nothing to worry about!!

We are so thankful and relieved and look forward to starting to make plans for the future now - I have been working part time since June but hope to go back full time soon and work out where to live and settle in to married life at last :)

My next check up is with the surgeon at the end of November.

August 9th

We are just back from an amazing time in West Cork. The wedding was so special and we have a fantastic day - and week! Orla looked stunning and it was so lovely to see my little brother so happy - it was an very special time with family and we all had lots of fun :) We are SO thrilled for Andrew & Orla and know that they will be very very happy together.